Exploring the Art of the Huichol

If you’ve been near Mrs. Wood’s Spanish classroom recently, it is very likely you saw pieces of art placed around her classroom. Since joining LCS last spring, Mrs. Wood has been intentional to incorporate elements of faith, music, art, and science to show the amazing diversity found in cultures in Spanish-speaking countries.

As part of her Spanish 1 and 2 courses this year, Mrs. Wood has been teaching students about the Huichol, a group of people who have resided in Mexico for thousands of years. Mrs. Wood shared, “The Huichol fled to the mountains in western Mexico to avoid being conquered by the invading Spanish during the 1500s. As a result, they were able to maintain their language, religion, and way of life that is very connected to nature. Over the years, the Huichol have developed an intricate art style using colored beads or yarn showing symbols that reflect their history and culture. This art is sold to help support the community, but its main importance is to help preserve their culture from generation to generation.”

As Christians, we believe God created us to glorify Him through various expressions of worship. Art, music, hard work, prayer, and study are just a few ways we can worship our Creator, which is why Mrs. Wood challenged her students to use the Huichol art style to tell a story, reflect on God’s creation, or celebrate an important piece of their life. Below are several examples of the art from some of the students in Mrs. Wood’s classes.

As you look at these pieces, look closely at the detail. These pieces took thought, vision, and time to create so we could enjoy the finished work. They also carry information the artist wanted us to think about, ponder, and appreciate.

While viewing these pieces, ponder these words from Psalm 139:13 (ESV), which says,

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.”

The same God who created the Huichol people and their amazing gift of visual storytelling crafted each of us, too. In the book of Genesis, we are told we were made in God’s image, which means each of us is like a reflection of God himself. As a part of our school’s curriculum, we celebrate this gift from God. Because we were delicately knitted into God’s likeness, we, like these pieces of art, have intrinsic worth. Because God took the time to craft every detail of our being, we have tremendous value. We also can live with dignity, courage, and hope because we were created purposefully.

In days of uncertainty, self-doubt, fear, or chaos, remember that the artist who created you did so because He wanted your story to have significance and meaning. We pray that as you view this art, explore the beauty of the spring, or simply admire the detail of your own hands, that you’ll remember Who made these things for you to enjoy.